Mrutyunjay Mohapatra appointed Chief of India Meteorological Department

New Delhi: Renowned scientist Mrutyunjay Mohapatra was appointed on Tuesday as the chief of India Meteorological Department (IMD), an order issued by the Personnel Ministry said.

Mohapatra, who is Scientist 'G' in the IMD, has been appointed as Director General of Meteorology, IMD for a period of five years, it said.

He will assume charge of the post on or after August 1, 2019, the order said. The IMD is responsible for weather and climate related forecasts for the country. It is also mandated to warn against severe weather phenomenon like cyclones, dust storms, heavy rain and snow, cold and heatwaves, among others.

Mohapatra is affectionately known as ‘cyclone man of India' for having accurately predicted the path of ferocious cyclonic storm Phailin. He had joined the IMD in 1992.

A Ph D in Physics from Bhubaneswar University, Mohapatra has received many national and international awards including the Young Scientist Award of Ministry of Earth Sciences and Achievers Award from the IMD for his research and service in the field of atmospheric sciences.

(With Agency inputs)